‘Masterpiece’ 1960s classic inspired by Elvis Presley is coming to Netflix | Films | Entertainment

Back in 1963, George Sidney directed the big screen adaptation of the hit stage musical Bye Bye Birdie. Starring Dick Van Dyke in his film debut, the movie also made Ann-Margret a superstar. In fact, she earned a Golden Globe Best Actress nomination for her part before starring opposite Elvis Presley in Viva Las Vegas, on a set where her real-life set mischief made the Final Cut. This is particularly fitting given that Bye Bye Birdie’s story was inspired by The King of Rock and Roll being enlisted into the US Army in 1958.

The musical’s plot follows a struggling songwriter who plans to save his record label by having a rock star perform a televised farewell stunt. The movie co-stars Janet Leigh, Maureen Stapleton and Jesse Pearson as the teen idol Conrad Birdie. Considered a rock movie masterpiece, the two-time Oscar-nominated Bye Bye Birdie is streaming on Netflix UK from August 1, 2026.